New ‘gritty‘ BBC crime drama has viewers ‘glued to the | UK News

The BBC have launched yet another drama to their repertoire which has followers fully gripped to their TV screens as they watch an A-list actor take on the function of a crime boss.

Set in Liverpool, This City Is Ours stars British actor Sean Bean as Ronnie Phelan, a gang chief trying to retire after years in the recreation. His urge to take a step back from a life of mischief triggers a energy wrestle between his partner-in-crime Michael Kavanagh, performed by James Nelson-Joyce, and his son Jamie, performed by Jack McMullen, both hoping to take the crown.

When Michael falls in love with Diana, he begins to see a life for himself outdoors of committing crimes. Although, his attempt to step away from the top of the food chain is not as straightforward as he’d hoped when a lacking cocaine cargo threatens the gang’s empire and in flip encourages the rise of Ronnie’s son taking control.

An impressed viewer took to Rotten Tomatoes to write a review; they claimed: “This City is Ours is raw, gritty, and everything a Liverpudlian crime drama should be. Nelson-Joyce’s performance is second to none. He has you on the edge of your seat and gritting your teeth from start to finish!”

Meanwhile, another viewer wrote: “It starts slow, but it keeps building with surprising turns and twists. The cast is exceptional in its delivery, and the entire plot, simple and witty, keeps one glued to the screen waiting for the next ‘surprise’. Looking forward to season two.”

A viewer also wrote: “Definitely binge-watch worthy! This is an absolute must-see series, especially if you like crime/drama. The authentic Scouse accents make it even better!”

People cannot help but reward the performing performances from the ensemble forged that make up the infamous gang, particularly that of Sean Bean. Best recognized for roles such as Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Martian, Richard Sharpe in the ITV collection Sharpe and, in current years, another hard-hitting BBC drama, Time.

The Daily Mail wrote: “Sean Bean doesn’t need to show his teeth. He exudes such menace in every grizzled glare that any shark would turn tail and swim for its life.”

While The London Evening Standard felt equally, saying: “With slicked-back hair and a Yorkshire accent still intact even in this full and gloriously Scouse drama about the Liverpool mafia, Bean is absolutely Sean Bean: terse, grumpy, and delivering the occasional brilliant one-liner.”

One viewer claimed the performing performances have been “unforgettable”. They wrote: “A brilliant British crime drama that pulls no punches. This City is Ours is gripping, gritty, and fiercely well-written.

“It captures the darkish underbelly of city life with a sharp eye for element and unforgettable performances. One of the BBC’s strongest dramas in years — uncooked, real, and totally compelling. Loved it!”

Since its recent release in May 2025, all episodes of This City is Ours are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

It has been signed off for a second season as eager fans anticipate seeing more of Bean on-screen, after the first season became BBC‘s most watched drama launch of the 12 months.